Jamai Shasthi is a traditional Bengali custom celebrated in the month of June (Jaishtha according to the Bengali calendar). Jamai Shasthi in Calcutta is celebrated with much grandeur. It is actually the son-in-law day where the son or the Jamai (in Bengali) is entitled to a grand celebration in the house of his in-laws. This celebration is marked with huge feasting along with exchange of gift items. The mother-in-law performs certain rituals on their arrival for the well being of her son in law and daughter.
Origin of Jamai Shasthi
Jamai Shasthi is an old custom practiced since ages. According to a myth, Goddess Shasthi once brought back the lost sons and daughter of a greedy woman who used to eat away all the food and blame it on the cat, who is Ma Shasthi's appurtenance. But she repented for her ill doings and performed rituals before the Goddess and got back all her children. Since then the Goddess is worshiped by all women folk of Bengal. During Jamai Shasthi, shashti puja is therefore performed by the mother in law to protect their children against all odds.
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Jamai Shasthi Rituals
When the son in law and the daughter arrives, the mother holds a thali or a plate containing dhan (paddy) dubbo (grass) and 5 different fruits. The mother sprinkles the grains and the grass on the son-in-law's head as an aashirbad (blessing). After putting a small mark (phota) on the forehead with curd, she ties a yellow thread (Shasthi thread) on his wrist. Before it is tied, turmeric is applied on the thread as it considered to be quite auspicious.
Jamai Shasthi Celebrations
On the occasion of Jamai Shasthi, the whole family of the daughter is engaged in huge celebrations. The mother-in-law prepares an array of Bengali dishes for lunch. The cuisines include a number of fish preparations, as fish is an all time favorite of the Bengali families. Another important part of the menu is the rosogollas (sweets) that are brought in big handis (clay containers). The mother serves almost fifteen to sixteen mouth-watering items in lunch, exclusively for the Jamai. After the grand feast, there is a lively atmosphere of fun and interaction among the family members with the Jamai.
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